Where Can I Find Detailed Information on Building a Cloud Chamber?

[funkpun]

Hi. I've searched through the forum and other internet resources and found several threads and sites, but haven't yet found any really detailed technical info.

I'd like to build a series of cloud chambers. I'm an designer/researcher, with an interest in history and philosophy of science. Does anyone know of some good resources that describe ideal temperature gradients (I've seen -40 C toss around), alcohol types (some recipes call for pure isopropyl, others for ethyl or methyl), discussion of chamber size (several recipes give very specific chamber sizes with no discussion of these were arrived at), etc.

Ideally, I'd like to be able to run a chamber continuously. I've seen at least one model that used a (custom?) refrigeration unit. I've just begun to do some research into refrigeration plates, but still haven't managed to find a straight-forward resource on these.

I've no budget for this. Obviously, I'd like to get away from dry ice. Do affordable cooling plates of a reasonable size (a square foot or larger) exist, that can achieve the needed temperature gradient exist?

 

[AndyW]

Thank you for your interest in building a series of cloud chambers. I understand your desire for detailed technical information. I would be happy to provide you with some resources and considerations for your project.

Firstly, the ideal temperature gradient for a cloud chamber is typically around -40°C to -50°C. This is the temperature at which water vapor will condense and form visible clouds in the chamber. However, the exact temperature may vary depending on the type of alcohol used and the humidity of the surrounding environment.

Speaking of alcohol, there are a few options for the type of alcohol to use in a cloud chamber. Pure isopropyl alcohol is commonly used because it is readily available and has a low freezing point. Ethyl or methyl alcohol can also be used, but they may require a lower temperature gradient to produce clouds.

In terms of chamber size, there is no specific size that is required for a cloud chamber. However, larger chambers may require more cooling power to maintain the ideal temperature gradient. It is important to keep in mind that the larger the chamber, the more alcohol will be needed to fill it.

If you are looking to run the chamber continuously, a refrigeration unit may be necessary. Custom refrigeration units can be expensive, but there are affordable options available such as thermoelectric coolers or Peltier plates. These can be found in various sizes and can achieve the necessary temperature gradient for a cloud chamber.

Lastly, I would recommend looking into DIY cloud chamber projects and tutorials online. These can provide detailed instructions and tips for building and operating a cloud chamber on a budget.

I hope this information helps and wish you the best of luck with your project.

 

[sir-pinski]

Hello,

Thank you for your interest in building a series of cloud chambers. It's great to see individuals with a passion for history and philosophy of science.

To answer your questions, the ideal temperature gradient for a cloud chamber is typically around -40°C. This temperature range allows for the most optimal conditions for detecting particles. As for the type of alcohol, pure isopropyl is usually recommended as it produces the best results. However, ethyl or methyl can also be used with slightly different results.

When it comes to chamber size, there is no one specific size that is considered ideal. It ultimately depends on the type of particles you are trying to detect and the sensitivity of your equipment. Smaller chambers can be used for detecting high-energy particles, while larger chambers are better for detecting low-energy particles.

As for continuous operation, it is possible to achieve this with a custom refrigeration unit. However, this can be quite costly. Alternatively, you can use a Peltier cooling plate, which is more affordable and can achieve the necessary temperature gradient. These plates are available in various sizes, including larger ones that can cover a square foot or more.

I hope this information helps you in your research and construction of cloud chambers. Best of luck to you!